A Tough Night for a Boxing Icon
Manny Pacquiao faced a difficult night in a three-round exhibition against former kickboxer Rukiya Anpo last Saturday at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The legendary boxer appeared far from his prime, struggling against the 6’0″ Anpo in a non-scored bout.
Pacquiao’s Performance: A Shadow of His Former Self
The 44-year-old Pacquiao looked slow and feeble, taking numerous hits from Anpo, who didn’t hold back in delivering powerful shots. Fans of the Filipino boxing superstar found it hard to watch as he was repeatedly batted around the ring.
Anpo’s Dominance
Rukiya Anpo, known for his kickboxing prowess, landed several heavy punches on Pacquiao, raising questions about the Filipino’s decision to participate in the exhibition. Despite the onslaught, Pacquiao managed to stay on his feet, showing his resilience but also highlighting his diminished capabilities.
Missing the Power and Speed
Once famous for his knockout power and lightning-fast hand speed, Pacquiao failed to demonstrate either against Anpo. The exhibition match served as a stark reminder of the toll that age and inactivity have taken on his once-formidable skills.
Financial Motives Behind the Match
While the exact financial details of the exhibition match remain unclear, it’s evident that Pacquiao earned his keep by absorbing Anpo’s heavy punches. The monetary compensation was likely a significant factor in Pacquiao’s decision to step into the ring.
Concerns About Future Fights
Pacquiao’s next planned fight is against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. Given his performance against Anpo, many are concerned about his chances. Barrios recently defeated Yordenis Ugas, who had handed Pacquiao a loss in 2021, making this upcoming bout a daunting challenge for the aging legend.
The Challenge of Facing Barrios
The prospect of Pacquiao fighting for a world title after such a long hiatus has raised eyebrows. Many boxing fans and analysts believe that Pacquiao, who is not currently ranked in the top tier of the welterweight division, should not be given an immediate title shot.
Health and Fairness Concerns
There are significant health concerns for Pacquiao, who will soon be 46, fighting at such a high level. Additionally, allowing him to bypass the top contenders in the WBC’s rankings for a title shot is viewed by many as unfair to those who have been working their way up the ranks.
Potential Contenders for Pacquiao
Despite his diminished form, Pacquiao could still potentially compete with some of the top 15 contenders in the welterweight division. Fighters like Conor Benn, Paddy Donovan, Cletus Seldin, Lewis Crocker, Harry Scarff, and Tresean Wiggins are seen as possible opponents he could still challenge.
The Reality of Pacquiao’s Current Status
The rest of the top contenders at 147 pounds would likely prove too much for Pacquiao, with many expected to defeat him handily, and some possibly knocking him out. Pacquiao’s days as a top-tier boxer seem to be behind him, and his performance against Anpo underscores the harsh reality of his current capabilities.
